Feds Go After International Antique Smugglers

Federal agents have raided the home of two Seattle men suspected of illegally importing Burmese antiquities.

According to recently unsealed statement filed in U.S. District Court, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials searched the Judkins Park neighborhood home Thursday after several customs officers intercepted several statues of the Buddha meant to be delivered to the home.

In an affidavit filed with the court, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent noted that both men had previously admitted to importing items they knew to be antiques — some dating to the 18th century — smuggled out of Myanmar.

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Asking that a U.S. District Court judge approve a search warrant of the men’s Seattle home, the ICE special agent asserted the men had been importing thousands of dollars worth of valuable Burmese artifacts acquired during trips to Thailand.